Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser // Rivitalize & Glow Serum

[ aurelia probiotic skincare miracle cleanser* // sample of revitalize & glow serum* ]

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Skin Cleanser* is a quality makeup removing cleanser which has taken the place of my beloved Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm as I've been feeling a little bored with the same old routine day in and out and was looking to get a little experimental (I've also adopted using Avene Cleanance Gel Cleanser as a second step to mix things up -- watch out for this crazy girl!). The switch up has actually been working out really well, so I'm not running back to my old routine anytime soon.

I apply a good sized dollop of the Miracle Cleanser* to my dry face, enjoy the fresh and natural scent, and work it into my skin. It rubs in very smoothly, despite not being an oil based cleanser, and comes off easily with a quick wipe over with it's accompanied washcloth. I haven't tested it, but I suspect if I did a once over with a cotton pad of Bioderma there would be very little to no makeup left on my skin at all. I have about 3/4 of the tub left, but I suspect I will be purchasing this once it's used up.

I apply the Revitalize & Glow Serum* after a second cleanse, whatever mask and toner I may or may not be using at the moment, and some La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (if it's nighttime). It sinks into my skin within seconds, feels light and airy (not tacky in the slightest), smells nice, and wears very well under makeup. Combine that with some Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream and I'm left with soft, hydrated skin that honestly looks more glowy than it has in ages (thanks to also drinking LOTS (!!!) of water daily). I've been looking for a good anti-aging serum since forever; so, despite the fact it's a tad pricey, I've got plans to buy a replacement once this runs out next week.

I can't really think of any negative things to say; I really love both products and would 100% drop my hard earned money down to buy each of them... and probably some more products I'm curious about from the line... my bank account is super thrilled about that. Not.

*When I was contacted about my potential interest in sampling Aurelia skincare for review I was immediately sold upon reading the word probiotic. I'm a huge fan of probiotics -- I take them multiple times a day orally and credit them with helping quell my crazy chin acne situation. I was not paid to write this post. I accepted these products for review.

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque

I first heard the gushings over Aesop's Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque from Anna... and like all her recommendations, this face mask that stands up to the hype. [ side note: my beauty trifecta team = Lisa Eldridge, Anna, and Caroline Hirons... they will NEVER steer you in the wrong direction. #blindfaith ]

Slap it on, rinse off after 10-15 minutes, and you're one mask application closer to gorgeous skin. The man at the Aesop store on Fillmore St. (San Francisco) told me this mask is so gentle that you could potentially use it every day. Now, I don't use it that frequently -- as I'm typically running a rotation of Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant, REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, and Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant -- but it probably gets busted out of the medicine cabinet at least two times a week with happy results. However, when it comes to balancing my temperamental skin, I must say that the aforementioned Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant still holds the #1 place in my heart.

Aesop Geranium Leaf Duet [ Body Balm + Body Cleanser ]

[ aesop geranium leaf body balm + body cleanser ]

The most irrational purchase I've made in ages, but f it. The smell!!

Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant

Think you've smelled the worst smelling facial mask ever? You haven't. Biologique Recherche's Masque Vivant is THE worst smelling mask I've ever had the "privilege" of using. It's a balancing mask (I'm not fancy enough to say "masque") which intends to balance (duh) and also brighten, tone, and refresh your complexion. I was recommended this product during my facial at Rescue Spa in Philly -- which, by the way, was awesome and I would totally recommend to anyone in the area. Like, I'm seriously upset over the fact I don't have the time to fit in an appointment when I'm back in town for a weekend wedding awesome.

The esthetician warned me about the smell before she put it on and I, thankfully, had already tried it before as a sample in the previous week and knew what I was in for. Why? Like I've said, the smell is STRONG. So strong you're convinced that she is really just wiping some sort of compost bin sludge on your face and calling it a day. The mask itself contains high concentrations of cucumber, witch hazel, and live yeast extracts... which, if I recall correctly, was some sort of goat yeast that is omg, so amazing for your skin... or something like that. Also explains the smell. Spoiled yogurt/soy sauce is probably the best description? I'm not kidding! The yeast, and mask in general, is also supposed to be great for seborrheic skin (read: seborrhoeic dermatitis/seborrhoeic ezcema), which can be a very tricky skin issue. [ Note: Biologique Recherche recommends that "[f]or seborrheic skin mix a pinch of bicarbonate of soda and a few drops of Complexe Iribiol with Masque Vivant and apply the frothy mixture in a thin layer over the entire face, neck and cleavage." ]

Speaking of skin issues, I am having a major one at the moment. My much hated chin skin is at it again. I'm chalking this all up to I have some sort of freaky hormone imbalance and I need to stop being a lazy ass and get my hormones tested at the doctor ASAP. Because of this bullshit I seem to always be dealing with on my volcanic chin, I've busted this mask out in hopes that 1-2 weekly use can be of some help, but only time will tell. What I do know is that the rest of my skin, my normal skin from the top lip up, really enjoys this mask.... even though my nose doesn't. Word on the street is that this mask is awesome for oily skin when you mix a little baking soda in (akin to above recommendation for seborrheic skin), so I plan on trying that out soon.

How to Use: I slap an even layer all over my face after I've cleansed and applied P50, avoiding the eye area because I need a trip to the ER with a fucked up eye like I need more zits in my life, so no thank you. I leave it on anywhere from 10-20 minutes, per the tube's instructions, or whenever it is I look at the clock and realize I totally should have taken my mask off a while ago. Their website says 15 minutes wear time and to double rinse it off. The tube says with tepid water and a soft sponge. Continuity error. I do not have a soft sponge at my disposal, nor do I want to use one from the pack underneath my kitchen sink, so I just rinse it really well with my hands or use a washcloth very lightly. I typically dread the taking it off part because the mask's smell subsides a little bit when it has settled onto skin/slightly dried. When you get it wet in the removal process, the smell is back full force. Joy. It also looks a little like baby diarrhea, which only just adds to the whole gross out factor. Overall, I'd recommend this mask to anyone with or without the skin issues described above, so long as you're cool with the price tag ($59).

Don't believe me? The skin care wiz and owner of Rescue, Danuta Mieloch, says:

"If you do Masque Vivant at least twice a week you'll never age. This unique mask contains live yeast extracts which are packed with amino acids and famously nourishing Vitamin B.  There is no product like it to keep your skin purified, revitalized and bright.  In my 20 years of experience with it, I have seen it drastically improve many peoples complexions."

Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40

This summer I vow to never get a sunburn. 

Which is basically an impossible task for someone like myself (WHITE AS ALL HELL.). I've never managed to get through a whole summer without some sort of burn -- ranging from some red, irritated skin to peeling shoulders to WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED AM I GOING TO NEED A SKIN TRANSPLANT. But, not this time. No, no. This is going to be the summer of shade and the summer of Clarins' UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection.

This stuff is seriously stellar -- I've gone though 1/2 a bottle already and it is my go to facial sunscreen. I've become even more cognizant about sun protection than before (read: I'm becoming an SPF psychopath) because I'll be damned if I'm getting skin cancer again! With SPF 40 and UVA-UVB protection you can trust, not just some added SPF to your makeup product, this physical sunscreen (sing it with me: "I AM TITANNNIUMMM... dioxide") feels weightless on your skin and doesn't leave any awkward white cast. Note: I've not paid attention/tested this for flashback with photography, so I can't help you there.

Apply it under makeup. Wear it alone. Check out the tinted versions (too dark for me, otherwise I would). Whatever you do, just get it and wear it every day.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron

I can't begin to talk about this product without first saying a HUGE thank you to Lily Pebbles from What I Heart Today for sending this product over from the UK so that I could try it. I'm super grateful for her kindness and without it, I'd been serum-less and sad! So thank you Lily, I really appreciate it!

Now, down to brass tacks. I love me some Caudalie S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum. We've established that. I've gone through 1.5 bottles to date. Love the results. Now, here sits Hydraluron, a beloved product of some of my very favorite British beauty bloggers (*cough* Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup, I love you *cough*). What was that? Did you guys hear something? Yeah... me neither. We've also established that I'm currently worshiping at the skin care altar of one Caroline Hirons, so does it surprise you to hear that she steadfastly recommends this product too?  Of course not, I'm a sheep! Baaaa. Tell me what skin care to buy, please. Baa.

[ indeed labs hydraluron ]

The makers, Indeed Labs, claim the ultra-high-grade hyluronic acid in this serum can attract 1,000 times its weight in water. I have no clue what that means besides hydration and soft skin. I know I've said that Caudalie's S.O.S serum gave me some of the softest skin I've ever felt on my face when used after Biologique Recherche P50V, but I dare say this product squeaks ahead. Given the much smaller price tag, this would be my recommendation between the two. However, if you're in the states and have no way of purchasing this product, the only hydrating serum recommendation I can stand behind right now is the S.O.S serum. Which is expensive. Wahh wahh. Sorry!

So... how many things from Caroline Hiron's skin care routine have I adopted into my own... let's count:

1. Emma Hard Amazing Face Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm
2. Biologique Recherche P50V
3. Indeed Labs Hydraluron

Yup, that confirms it. I am a mindless drone.

Once again, I compel you to learn from the master herself, my skin care sensei, Caroline Hirons:

NEW IN: Makeup and Skin Care

Lookin' cute ain't cheap!

Watch the video here.

Biologique Recherche P50V

I discovered Biologique Recherche's P50V from Caroline Hirons, the skin care superwoman behind the must read carolinehirons.com. She recently sat down with Pixiwoo for an enlightening skin care-centric episode of BodyTalk that is NOT to be missed (embedded at the end of the post -- watch it, seriously!) and reminded me to order the P50V I've had on my wishlist since I began reading Caroline's blog months ago.

I've never used an exfoliating toner before, and now I don't think I could ever not use one... I know I've touted baby butt soft skin from Caudalie's Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, but pair that with this and you're left with the most supple, soft, amazing, every good skin care adjective EVER. Even though I'm only 24, and not dead and dusted by any means, this makes my skin feel incredibly younger and fresher and makeup goes on without a hitch -- no random dry bits to cling to, no icky texture, less pigmentation to conceal. Without good skin care, your makeup will never look 100% and with this, my face is becoming the perfect canvas.

BUT.

Let's talk ingredients. Caroline posted about the formula changing, but only in the EU. Why? Phenol. From what I gather, the EU has banned its use, so it appears that Biologique Recherche have created a phenol-less formula for the EU and the original formula remains in the US. The original formula leaves you with a nice sting and a terrible, long lasting smell upon application -- 2 things that Caroline says the new EU formula is missing. So does the phenol-less formula work just the same? I don't know. What I do know is that I'm not sure that I want to be putting phenol on my face after a quick google search. I don't know how safe it truly is, especially given the ban in the EU. So great. Too good to be true. It had to be. Part of me wishes that I lived in the country that had the ban so I could continue to purchase the product, but at the moment I am a little wary of repurchasing the original formula... which is painful... BECAUSE THIS IS JESUS IN A BOTTLE.

So, now taking applications for anyone who wants to switch lives in a permanent, international Freaky Friday because this shit is worth it. Until then, I think I will resort to Caroline's other favorite, Clarins' Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. But as luck would have it, even that looks hard to track down in the states...? Oh maybe I'll just try Alpha H Liquid Gold, out wait.. can't get my hands on that one easily either here in CA.

What gives?! Does the universe not want me to be properly exfoliated?!

**UPDATE!!** It looks like Rescue Rittenhouse Spa sells the phenol-less version too! I plan on comparing them! The 1970 on the bottle indicates that particular bottle contains the old formula with phenol, so don't purchase that if you want to try it out phenol-free!

 

REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

REN's Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask has been receiving rave reviews for months now anddd because I'm a brainwashed beauty junkie sheep, I had to get my grubby little hands on it.

So what do I think...? I love it!

[ ren glycol lactic radiance renewal mask ]

When I first tried this mask from little sample packets, I was nonplussed. I'd heard positive reviews from every corner of the internet and was unrealistically expecting a wonder product. Muh bad. Can't blame something for not meeting up to my unrealistic expectations. This mask ain't Jesus, y'all; so don't get it twisted. Part of me felt like the sample packets could have just been old (they were at least a year old that I knew of), so I wanted to test out a fresh version before I wrote off a product everyone seemed to love.

I decided to pull the trigger on a full sized bottle during a sale (score!) and started using it weekly, much to my boyfriend's chagrin. According to him, I look "scary" and "like [I'm] melting," with an occasional "Ahh, what is wrong with your face" peppered in for good measure. Always a charmer, that one. Each time I moved past his kind words of encouragement and removed the mask, I consistently found my skin feeling new and refreshed -- baby's bottom softness was finally mine! With no irritation or stinging during or post-application, to boot!

In summary, I believe this to be a high quality mask that delivers. So long as it doesn't burst your budget, I believe this mask to be worth the $55 price tag, and especially so if you can scoop it up for a discount during a sale. 

[ Psst.. Sephora's Chic Week 15% off sale ends tomorrow! ]

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning

You saw me use this before, in my very first tanning experiment, and it remains my go-to facial tanning product to this day. I say "go-to" as if I tan my face a lot, I really don't. But when I do, I use dos eq-.. ok, I won't.. when I do, I use Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning.

It's easy enough to apply, just squirt a nickle- to quarter-sized amount onto a cotton pad and wipe it all over. It takes about 2-3 squirts (and, therefore, pads) to cover my entire face, chest, shoulders, as well as the front and back of my neck. Basically, anywhere that would be exposed if I were wearing a v-neck shirt with my hair up gets slathered. It's not rocket science. If I'm going to be wearing clothes that expose the rest of my skin, then I'd also opt for a full body tanathon with my St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse -- as seen in my tanning video -- to ensure uniform color. In the images shown below, I was just bored and felt like seeing how tan I could get in two days. I had not intended to go anywhere with my skin showing (it was very cold out and I figured I'd be in long sleeves for the week); but alas, the Philly winter warmed up a bit on the day I had plans and my pale, pale arms saw the light of day. Actually made for a good comparison, so blessing in disguise.

The application has never appeared streaky or patchy on my skin and is really only noticeably tan-like around the borders of my natural skin color. When I've worn the body tanning mousse as well, there was no telling where one tan ended and the other began. It dries pretty quickly and boasts it's ability to be worn under skin care and makeup just minutes after application. Midway through my day, I'll catch a glance in mirror and love the result as I found it takes about 2-3 hours to get cookin' and start making a noticeable difference to my skin color.

Exhibit A: Two consecutive daily applications of Clarins Liquid Bronze.

(with Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Rose Ivory worn on my skin -- my "tan" foundation) 

 
Exhibit B: Side view.
(ain't no jawline action going on here, no sir)

Exhibit C: Tan juxtaposed against my natural skin color, for reference.

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum

I love you, S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum. I really do. And I want to shout it off the rooftops like some severely co-dependent and obsessive lover, "I love you, Caudalie... AND I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW!!!" Seriously. I'm one coffee away from Tom Cruise-ing my couch and exasperating, "I'm in love... I'm in love...."

Having been cursed with oily (and somewhat combination) skin my whole life, I never thought I needed MORE hydration...

[ caudalie vinosource s.o.s. thirst quenching serum ]

...but I was wrong. See Mom, I can TOO admit when I'm wrong!

I spoke of my "dehydrated, but oily skin" epiphany in my facial oil posts (here and here), so no need to repeat myself.... to sum it up: my. skin. loves. this. Despite a bitter east coast winter, my face was plump, soft, and fully hydrated. Foundation and tinted moisturizer went on like a breeze, and the only times I noticed dry patches collecting foundation was during a brief stint where I couldn't find my little sample tube -- a tragedy I couldn't even wish upon my worst enemy (who is currently, by the way, the guy that constantly puts take-out menus in every crevice possible on my porch/front door and may or may not have dry or dehydrated skin).

For anyone with dry and/or dehydrated skin, I can't recommend this product enough. Get a sample somewhere -- my sample tube lasted for a little over a month with 2x a day usage -- and then feel free to send me a thank you e-card for the rec. I am quite fond of ones that put my face on to dancing elves, animals, etc... thank you in advance.

But in all seriousness, just ignore that hefty price tag and join in on the wonderful smelling hydration. Your skin will thank you. And in order to also keep your wallet happy, use skinstore.com and its constant 15-20% off promos.

Candida Cleanse: Skin Care Savior?

This Just In: Candida Cleanses, not just for vaginas! 

Lest you think I have a fucked up vagina or am suffering from a nasty case of thrush, I'm here to assure you that everything is right with muh Hello Kitty.

P.S. DO NOT google image search "thrush" -- some things just can't be unseen.

Forget your va jay jay, your cooter, your lunchbox, Ms. Princess, or whatever it is that you call it and could probably give a therapist some real insight into your intimacy issues, candida cleanses are also beneficial to your skin! When mine was at its very worst, I followed this cleanse for about 2-3 weeks straight (it's very mild -- no worries for the "cleanse" wary... i.e. the diarrhea conscious) and found my skin became much clearer during that time. Nowadays, I keep it in my bathroom cabinet and about once a week, I squirt half a pipette of the tincture and down 2 pills to keep my CandiGone.

Disclaimer: I don't want to say this is the ONE single thing that resulted in my skin clearing up -- around the same time I also: drank a lot more water, stopped taking supplements with biotin in them, developed new skincare routine with high quality products, became less stressed, stopped green juicing (which it seems was causing breakouts from toxin purging?), etc... BUT! When all those things were still going on, I did notice a difference when just adding the cleanse. So, correlation. I'm comfortable with claiming a correlation. It's just... I've taken WAY too many stats courses during my under- and post-graduate education to be dumb enough to claim complete causality for anything in skin care. There is no counterfactual! Perhaps there is a spurious relationship at play!? Where are your controls, woman?!

Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant

A gentle, yet effective exfoliating mask that I keep in my weekly pamper rotation. One of my favorites.

[ dermalogica gentle cream exfoliant ]

Emma Hardie "Amazing Face" Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm

Emma Hardie's Cleansing Balm is heaven in a tub. No more gel, foaming, or exfoliating cleansers; I'm a total balm convert.

Morning and night I mix a little of this with water in my palm, massage into my face, and and wipe off with a damp washcloth. No residue left behind. No squeaky clean, stripped feel to the skin. You're simply left with nourished, clean skin. [ Note: I use a cheaper method to remove makeup -- Bioderma or the No 7 Hot Cloth Cleanser -- at night before using this; I fear I would go through the tub too quickly double cleansing with this. ]

The smell is intoxicating and relaxing -- a staple for both winding me down at the end of the day and easing me out of my sleepy state to a new one. Follow this up with my favorite Olie Biologique 004 Huile Moderne facial oil, and I smell like a walking spa. Ahhhh, deep breath in and exhale slowly.

 
Any cons?

It's packaging needs work (breaks and leaks), for one. And it's not readily available in the US. Internet to the rescue. I purchase mine from feelunique.com, which typically has good deals and free international shipping. [ PRO TIP: If you join the site you can actually pick one brand to always receive 10% off from on every order and, naturally, I designated Emma Hardie as my brand since I don't buy anything else from Feel Unique. ] I typically buy all my beauty products online, so it's not a huge con for me. I just have to remember to repurchase about 2 weeks before I run out.

Packaging and availability don't outweigh what's actually inside the pot, which is the best cleanser I've ever used. I honestly and wholeheartedly recommend this balm -- there is a reason this is a favorite and staple of so many discerning beauty lovers!

[ Emma Harding "Amazing Face" Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm - ~$45 ]

I've been recommended the Eve Lom Cleanser numerous times, but a quick peek at the ingredients reveals it contains mineral oil. No thanks! Emma Hardie's Cleansing Balm contains a better overall ingredients list, so I'm sticking with it.

Olie Biologique Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil -- Holy Grail Facial Oil?

Oile Biologique's Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil might just be the one. This is a very bold statement to make, but I'm going there. Screw moisturizing creams,  y'all can go kick rocks! I'm a complete facial oil convert (see this previous post for my initial dabblings). 24/7, 365.. me + facial oils - creams. In the previously mentioned post, I discussed my usage of  Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil and Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil. These are by no means bad oils, but I just wanted something with less ingredients than Dr. H's and something with more types of oils than Josie Maran's single oil formula -- plus my volcanic chin reacts best to Olie Biologique's 004 blend. So, that's a deal maker. Signing on the dotted line. In this for the long haul. I do. You may now kiss the bride.

Like any new relationship, I assume you will ask "So, how did you two meet?" to which I will answer in the same manner I would answer for any of my relationships... "Through an online service!" Just kidding.. sort of? I discovered this oil through a past Birchbox, hence why I still stay subscribed -- I have truly found many beloved products through them. I must admit, when I first got this sample, I stupidly used half of the tube on my hair and didn't touch it again for months. A true waste, because this stuff is liquid gold to me. The Olie Biologique website describes this oil blend as

Hydrating, healing, wrinkle smoothing and mood lifting. A light, subtly scented blend of powerful organic and essential oils that is excellent for skin [...] Fast-absorbing [and] packed with anti-aging goodness and hydrating properties. Protects against environmental exposure...

The 004 blend is made from 100% natural and pure ingredients -- the only things you'll find in it are 100% USDA Certified Organic Argan and Rosehip Oils, Natural Vitamin E, and Bergamot, Neroli, and Frankincense Oils (check out their product page if you're curious about the individual benefits of each ingredient). It's got a very "natural" smell, which I love and find to be incredibly soothing and relaxing. Mind you, I love the smells of oils. They evoke rich, luxurious, and ornate vibes for me... like I'm some Egyptian princess getting my oil on on the banks of the Nile, chillin' with tons of papyrus and all my scribes (historically accurate information brought to you by my 6th grade history class and an unhealthy addiction to the video game Pharaoh). A hidden camera in my bathroom would catch me frequently opening the bottle throughout the day just to take whiffs of it.. but would also record me going to the bathroom. Which I would never want captured on a hidden camera. Hidden cameras in bathrooms are a terrible image to summon up and an awful way to make a point, my apologies. *shudder* Basically, I like the smell. A lot.

Most importantly, my skin loves this. After soaking in, my skin feels plump and remarkably smooth. I don't want to use tons of harsh chemicals on my skin, even when problematic, so I'm really trying to stay as natural as possible. This oil, combined with a cleansing routine featuring Emma Hardie's glorious cleansing balm, has really improved my skin. It's still not perfect by any means, but it's improved a great deal since integrating those two products into my regimen. I'm jinxing myself right now, but I have no active breakouts at the moment! To boot, this interacts well (I really wanted to write "swimmingly" here to add a little pizazz, but I restrained myself) with any foundation I've worn atop it, even when applied freshly after the 004 and before it had fully soaked in to my skin.

For the low, low price of $56, a 30 ml bottle and some facial happiness can be yours (also for sale at Birchbox)

(can you tell I've been watching JewelTV lately -- guilty pleasure, those salespeople crack me up with their antics)

Skin Care: Facial Oils

How have I basically lived 23 years before discovering the benefits of oils in my hair and on my skin?

Well, oily and frizzy.. that's how.

The grouping of the word "oil" with skin or hair generally carries a negative connotation (think: greasy), but I've been experimenting with all sorts of hair oils in the past year with amazing results. After success with taming my lion's mane, I began dabbling into the world of facial oils during a period of volcanic skin and have been pleasantly surprised with the results as well. My skin has been rather tumultuous in the recent months, for reasons unknown but often speculated. Perhaps it's a detoxification due to my improved diet and daily green juice? Perhaps my hormones are a whack? Perhaps I touch my skin too much? Or maybe all my makeup testing is pissing my chin off? Who knows.

I've always thought the last thing my oily skin needed was MORE oil, but alas... not the case. OIL. ME. UP... but not in that two girls in a bikini and kiddie pool ready to wrestle while creepy frat-ish guys film it it on their iPhones kind of way. Natural oils (NOT mineral oil!) actually nourish skin and can help curb oil production. And while the jury is still out in the long run, adding facial oils to my morning and evening skin care routine may just be my saving grace? I can't say they are saving my chin situation just yet (I honestly think that needs to be credited to the Candida Cleanse I've been doing for the past few weeks -- more to come on that later), but the rest of my skin is looking more radiant and feels amazing!

I've started using the tiniest bit (just a drop or two) of Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil ($42.95 for 1 fl oz) before my morning moisturizer and I really love the feeling of it has on my skin. It leaves my face feeling plump and baby soft after soaking in, something I was definitely lacking before -- perhaps my skin is oily AND dehydrated?? I caution you against over application because I found it does take a hot minute to sink in (par for the course with any oil, really). According to their site, the Normalizing Day Oil contains "Plant extracts [which] blend with plant oils to balance excessive oiliness, diminish the appearance of pores and visibly reduce blemishes. Provides protective, fortifying benefits to mature skin." It has a lot of negative reviews on MakeupAlley, which surprised me, so do your research before you explore this oil (go get a sample at Whole Foods!). Jury is still out whether this is my permanent day oil.

Since I use the Dr. Hauschka during the day, I use my Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($14.00 for .5 fl oz) during my evening skin care routine. According to their site, "this legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Use it as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer, or to heal and condition everything from cuticles to split ends." It's not a night oil specifically, I just use it then -- feel free to use it anytime (and anywhere on your body!). My words ain't scripture, y'all. I don't use it every single night, as there are nights when I do different AHA or BHA treatments to my skin, but I really, really love this oil. Pretty much a ditto on everything I said about the Dr. H oil -- this leaves my face feeling soft, plump, and hydrated. Without a doubt, this is the best 100-point perk I've received from Sephora!

Are you a recent disciple to the Church of Oil? Tell me your favorites in the comments!